Further Education Finance

Heart of Worcestershire College recognises that all students whether full or part time have financial demands on them attending college.

Financial support is available in a number of different ways providing you fulfil the eligibility requirements of each scheme:

16-19 Bursary Fund

What is the bursary?

The 16-19 bursary is a scheme to assist young people to continue in full-time education who may have difficulties in completing their course due to financial reasons.

The scheme is made up of two parts:

Tier 1

There are guaranteed bursaries of up to £1,200 a year for the most vulnerable. Young people in one of the following categories can apply for this scheme:

Young people who are 16-18 years old, living independently and claiming income support/universal credit in their own right.

Young people who are looked after by the Local Authority.

Young people who are Care Leavers.

Young people receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA/PIP) in their own name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA/UC) or Universal Credit.

Discretionary Bursary

Students facing financial difficulties may also be able to request assistance with transport, mandatory equipment, meals, trips or other course related costs. Travel support is available to students who travel more than 1.5 miles to their main campus of study.

All students requesting support with travel are asked to apply via the 16-19 Bursary Fund Application Form available from Advice Centre’s/Reception. Due to the high volume of applications students are expected to cover their own transport costs up to half term, which will then be reimbursed if successfully awarded support.

Helping Hands (PDF)

Key Information for Parents (PDF)

Free Meals (16-18 year olds)

Students who meet the criteria can claim one meal per day from College onsite cafes. Criteria is based on parental household income of less than £16,100. They must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Income Support, Income-based JSA, Income-related ESA, and Child Tax Credit (providing they’re not eligible for WTC).

Care to Learn

Care to Learn is intended to assist young parents under the age of 20 to continue in, and return to, education after the birth of a child by providing funding for childcare whilst the young parent is engaged in a study programme.

19+ Discretionary Learner Support (DLS)

Students aged 19-23 at the start of their course studying up to a Level 3 Programme and student learners over 24 but studying a Programme up to a Level 2 can apply for support from the 19+ DLS fund. The DLS fund can help towards, travel, childcare, meals and trips.

If further information is required, please contact the Advice Centre’s or call :

Advanced Learner Loans

Are you aged 19 or over and thinking about Further Education?

You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with your course fees. The loans are non means-tested so household income isn’t taken into account. You don’t pay anything back unless you are earning over £25,000.

Advanced Learner Loan (PDF)

For more information on the funds support we offer please review our policy document.

19+ Advanced Learner Loan Bursary

This bursary is available to students who have approved Advanced Learner loans in place. The fund may provide a contribution towards travel and childcare costs. Any essential equipment should be provided by the department. In exceptional cases students can request assistance with hardship.